Ronald L. Smith, Alden pharmacist, dies.

Aug. 21, 1952 – Oct. 11, 2012Former Alden Town Supervisor Ronald L. Smith, who also was a pharmacist in the town, died Thursday in his home. He was 60.Born in Buffalo, Mr. Smith was a lifelong Alden resident and graduate of Alden High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy. Mr. Smith was the owner of Alden Pharmacy on Broadway, a business he had operated since 1985. He opened the medical supply portion of the business in 2005.In May 2006, he was appointed by the Alden Town Board to serve as supervisor, succeeding Michael W. Cole, who had won a special election to the Assembly. Prior to that, Mr. Smith had served a few months on the Town Planning Board. Mr. Smith served two terms as supervisor. During his tenure, voters in the town voted to reduce the size of the Town Board from five members to three, even though Mr. Smith and other elected officials in the town did not support that move.Last November, Mr. Smith came within 13 votes of winning re-election, despite the fact that his name was not on the general election ballot. After failing to secure the endorsement of Republican leaders in the town, Mr. Smith decided against running in the Republican primary, but instead, to run a write-in campaign. Harry “Bud” Milligan, who now serves as supervisor, wound up winning the race.Most recently, Mr. Smith served on the Alden Village Board. He also was a member of the Alden Chamber of Commerce, the Pharmacy Association of Western New York and the Pharmacy Society of the State of New York.He is survived by his wife of 36 years, the former Karen Justinger; two daughters, Kristen Armstrong and Kara L.; a son, Andrew D.; his mother, Patricia; and three brothers, Richard, Randall and Robert.A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. John’s Catholic Church, 2021 Sandridge Road, Alden.